Inter Milan failed to take full advantage of slip-ups involving rivals for a place in the Europa League next season as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Chievo.
Roberto Mancini's men knew a win would have taken them ahead of both Genoa and Sampdoria, but they could not break down a determined Chievo side.
Both sides hit the woodwork, but the deadlock would not be broken as the Nerazzurri drew at home for the seventh time this season.
With Sampdoria and Genoa both losing already this weekend, Inter's hopes of qualifying for the Europa League next season had grown before they took to the field at the San Siro.
It was still up to them to take advantage of their rivals' slip-ups, although that looked quite likely with the way Mancini's men started the game.
Rodrigo Palacio flashed a shot just wide of the post before Mauro Icardi went a little bit closer, but not close enough with a 19th-minute shot hitting the post.
Chievo defended deep, but had no problems deflecting Inter's attacks as they frustrated their hosts.
Former Inter midfielder Ezequiel Schelotto almost turned a Palacio cross into his own goal early in the second half before Mancini sent Lukas Podolski on to give his team a further attacking option.
Riccardo Meggiorini had a rare chance for Chievo in the 65th minute when Samir Handanovic parried the ball out to him, but he lifted the rebound over the crossbar.
Meggiorini tested Handanovic again as Inter's more attack-minded style brought their guests out of their shell and forward more frequently.
Inter had their chances too with an acrobatic Icardi effort and a Xherdan Shaqiri shot both just missing the target as the Nerazzurri ended with four forwards on the field.
Former Inter defender Cristiano Biraghi could still have snatched victory for Chievo late on with his shot beating Handanovic, but hitting the crossbar as Inter were let off the hook.